I WOKE up unaware of my new surroundings, like the comfort of the bed swiped my brain of last night's events. It was no secret that my estranged family was one of wealth. I made it my goal to somehow grow accustomed to having a lady maid assist me with things I was used to doing myself.

Back at home, Papa and I never needed one since it was just the two of us. Kitty helped me into a white, long sleeved dress, dotted with small black polka dots. It was such a foreign feeling wearing a dress that I wasn't used to wearing practically everyday.

I watched intently from the mirror of the vanity as she did my hair.

She handled my waves with such grace, moving her hands carefully. I tried my best to control my squirming hands as she finished up her work. She made sure to leave a few tendrils free, to frame my face.

"Thank you," I thanked her fervently. She returned a gracious smile.

I spotted Alaina in the doorway from the mirror, "Ready for breakfast?"

"Indeed," I stood up and followed her out of my room. I saw Astrid and Abigail walking down the opposite corridor. They both greeted me with their beaming smiles.

They led me to the dining room, and I made sure to make a mental note of where it was. The Earl and Countess of Stratford were already seated at the long, white clothed table. There was an array of foods on the table, from eggs to an assortment of breads and rolls. Our plates and cutlery were already set.

"Good morning girls," Lord Stratford smiled pleasantly. We all returned his greeting in unison.

"How did you sleep, my dear?" He asked as I settled into one of the deeply cushioned chairs. I practically sank in the thing!

"Very well, thank you my lord."

"Uncle George," He squeezed my hand endearingly. I smiled with a simple nod.

Everyone began making their plate of food, scooping the eggs out of the bowl, spreading strawberry perseveres on their bread, pouring tea.

"Don't be afraid. Help yourself," Uncle George chuckled, noticing my overwhelmed countenance. I felt my cheeks grow hot as I gave a shy smile. Then I slowly extended my arm and scooped some eggs onto my plate.

"What was it like where you used to live, Della?" Abigail asked.

"Very small," I laughed lightly as I placed a roll onto my plate.

"For certain," Lady Stratford mumbled. My brows furrowed for a split second at the remark.

"But no less, Papa and I were happy," I added.

"And you will lead an even happier life here, my child," She assured confidently. "And for goodness sakes Alaina, stop slouching."

Alaina rolled her eyes and fixed her posture reluctantly.

"How do you expect to secure a man in your future if you simply cannot sit correctly?" Lady Stratford frowned. Abigail snorted before forking eggs into her mouth.

"What if I do not wish to secure a man, Mamma? I am but sixteen!" Alaina exclaimed.

"Then you might as well wish for no future at all," Astrid chimed in with a shrug of her shoulder.

Lady Stratford sighed hopelessly, "Thank you Astrid."

I kept my eyes trained down at my plate, hoping not get dragged into the conversation. I lifted my head when I saw Mr. Simon saunter in with a silver platter atop of his gloved fingertips.

He went to Astrid and lowered a platter to her eye level, "For you, Lady Astrid."

Astrid dropped her fork onto her plate with a loud clank as she snatched the letter off of the tray. Simon left the room and I watched as Astrid's face lit up after reading the beautiful cursive on the front.

She tore it open with haste and began to read. Her eyes moved like a machine, scanning line after line.

"Who is it from?" Lady Stratford inquired.

"It is from Christopher! He is returning in a few days time!" Astrid squealed with glee.

Abigail gasped, "Chrissy is returning?"

"What splendid news!" Even Lady Stratford shared their excitement.

"Who is Christopher?" I scrounged up enough courage to ask.

"Lord Arlington and I have known each other since we were children, he is my best friend," Astrid responded dreamily.

"He went to study abroad. And I am convicted he has grown even more handsome than he was when he departed!" Abigail grinned with mischief.

"Settled into his manhood, indeed," Astrid pressed his letter against her chest.

"Perhaps he is already engaged then," Alaina deadpanned.

"He said he is excited to see me," Astrid glared.

"Well this is certainly a great way to start off the day," Uncle George replied before downing his last drop of ale.

It was no secret that this man's letter evaporated every bit of tension that once hung in the air. The happiness that circulated was contagious.

But I noticed Alaina did not share in the happy party, she continued to eat her breakfast and even helped herself to another roll.

Lady Stratford slapped her hands together, "Well why don't you girls give your dear cousin a tour of Moonriver."

"It almost slipped my mind!" Astrid laughed giddily. "Come!"

I rose up from my chair and followed them out of the dinning room. We crossed the foyer to an elegantly designed, spacious room.

"This is the Drawing Room," Abigail began.

I meandered around the room taking in it's grandeur, "How beautiful."

It was baby blue and gold themed, with a fireplace that held many antiques on it's mantel. The little table that sat between the two sofas was gilded gold. There was even a piano in the corner, by the window.

"We don't play it very often anymore," Abigail had followed my gaze.

"Christopher is an absolute master. I've always envied it," Astrid reminisced.

"A natural," Abigail agreed.

"Let's move to the library," Alaina changed the subject as she walked out of the room. I followed her around the staircase and down a corridor. She pushed a pair of huge mahogany colored doors open with a flare.

The first things I noticed were tall, white bookshelves on every wall, holding a slew of books. The large windows that allowed for natural light to pour into the room, highlighted it's immensity. There were two milk chocolate colored chairs angled right by the window.

"Can this be my chambers instead?" I asked in a daze, soaking up the beauty of the room.

Alaina giggled at my amazement.

"I think Alaina has read every book on that shelf," Astrid pointed.

"And that shelf over there," Alaina added pridefully. My fingers were practically screaming to get themselves on one of those books.

Abigail laughed, "Perhaps you shall marry a book instead, little sister."

"And perhaps me reading so much is the reason I have more wits than you," She quipped back and Abigail rolled her eyes in response. I placed a hand over my mouth to stifle a laugh. I could surely get used to the constant entertainment of my cousins.

"Let's go upstairs," Abigail proposed. "The fencing room is on the third story."

"No I want to show the horses in the stables," Astrid objected.

"Oh yes, and the garden! Let us tell the maids to fetch our things," Abigail responded.

"I wish to stay here," Alaina sighed, grabbing a book off the shelf.

Astrid shrugged a shoulder, "Suit yourself."

"I very much plan to," Alaina mumbled as she took a seat in one of the comfy chairs. Both Abigail and Astrid left the room, so I decided to take advantage of solitude with Alaina.

"I can't help but notice whenever this Lord Arlington is brought up, you seem a bit prodded. Is he not amiable?"

She set her book down and gestured for me to sit in the neighboring chair.

"He is quite amiable actually," She laughed lightly. "Our fathers have been in connection since before any of us were born. The Duke of Brent and Earl of Stratford. He is much like a big brother."

"Then what is the problem?"

"Astrid," She answered bluntly, "Speaking of him like her name is written on his forehead! God forbid he falls in love with anyone but her."

I was certain that he would indeed fall in love with her just by laying eyes on her again. I feared that my shyness would hinder any man from ever falling in love with me. For even the locking stare of an attractive gentlemen would send heat rushing to my cheeks.

So I simply pour out my emotions into a series of love letters, to the future man I fall in love with. If there ever is one. I made sure to pack them with me, because I've found it to be very freeing. It was like emptying out my heart's words on paper, to which not a soul will ever read.

"Well I think it is rather sweet."

Abigail and Astrid re-entered the library, ready to venture outside with their gloves and spencers on. Astrid handed me a mustard yellow spencer with big, gold intricately designed buttons. Along with a pair of pale yellow gloves.

I stood up to put them on and we all bid Alaina a goodbye. She gave us a lazy wave with her eyes trained on a page of a book.

A gust of brisk wind hit my face when Astrid opened the front door.

We walked down the concrete stairs, eventually making our way to the vibrant green grass. I lifted my skirts so the bottom wouldn't get smeared with the greenery.

As we furthered the house, the stable became closer in view. I turned around and was able to get a glimpse of how much vast land Moonriver had.

"Ever wonder why it is called Moonriver?" Abigail asked as we neared the stable. We were close enough to be struck with the distinct horse smell that guarded the vicinity.

"The river stream in the back," Astrid pointed.

"The serene beauty renders me speechless," I shook my head.

They smiled and Abigail nudged her head for us to enter the stable. My heart thumped at the sight of four horses poking out their heads from their little rooms. They all varied in color from chestnut brown, to jet black.

"You must go riding with us," Astrid stroked one of one of the horses, gingerly.

"I would love to but . . . I . . . have never ridden one before," I fiddled with my fingers.

"We shall teach you! It will be fun!" Abigail grew excited.

"I shall be delighted for a lesson," I laughed nervously, "The black one is so beautiful."

I walked toward it and stuck out my hand hesitantly. It was inches away from the horse's long snout, my heart began to drum rapidly against my chest.

"She won't bite, silly," Abigail giggled.

I gently laid my hand down on her forehead and stroked downward in a slow motion. I smiled to myself the more comfortable I became after every stroke.

"Does she have a name?"

"Midnight," Astrid ambled closer and petted Midnight's silk hair.

"What a beauty," I smiled.

"She belongs to Christoper actually," Astrid said. "He entrusted me with her care before he departed to study abroad. He loves to ride - race I daresay."

"And it shall be a delightful reunion," Abigail clapped her hands.

"Ms. Andrews," Mr. Simon appeared in the doorway, "Lady Stratford would like you join her in the drawing room for tea."

"Thank you," I gave a smile and he proceed the journey back to the house.

"We can show you the gardens at another hour," Astrid waved her hand carelessly.

"That'll do," I nodded and began to walk back to the house. The more Lord Arlington was mentioned, my anticipation to meet him heightened. It seemed like every room held a memory dedicated to him.

Who is this man?

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A/N - who's excited to meet Christopher bc I'm mad excited to write about him loll.

I really hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! 🙈

Votes/Comments are much appreciated!

~ kya h.